Baby Bottle-Everything You Need To know

It's hardly rocket science to bottle-feed a newborn, but it's also not simple. Some infants are natural bottle drinkers, while others need more encouragement. In reality, introducing a bottle can be a trial-and-error procedure.

The startling number of bottle alternatives, variable nipple flows, different formula kinds, and multiple feeding postures make this seemingly easy task enormously more difficult.

Material of the Bottle

Bottles are available in various materials, including plastic, silicone, glass, and stainless steel.

Plastic: bottles have the advantage of being lightweight and not breaking if dropped. One disadvantage is that they degrade with time and must be changed regularly. If you opt to use plastic bottles, make sure they're brand new. BPA may be present in older plastic bottles.

While modern plastic baby bottles are usually regarded as safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a statement on food additives that raises concerns about combining plastic with food.

Silicone: BPA-free, flexible, and lightweight bottles manufactured of food-grade silicone are available. They won't shatter if dropped, and they'll probably bounce!

Glass: bottles are inherently BPA-free and long-lasting but heavy and breakable. To prevent breakage, certain glass bottles come with silicone sleeves.

Stainless Steel: BPA-free, lightweight, and sturdy stainless-steel bottles are a great choice. But you'll pay a premium for it; they're the most expensive on the shelf. It's also worth noting that you can't tell how much liquid is inside from the exterior, unlike other bottle materials.

Disposable Plastic Liners: These are handy, but they're expensive and only last for one use. Fill them, place them in a designated bottle, and throw them after the meal.

Shapes of Bottles

Bottles are often available in the following shapes:

·        Standard: Tall and straight, with a simple filling and cleaning process.

·        Angled: The neck is bent so that milk collects at the bottom, preventing your baby from swallowing air. On the downside, they may be more difficult to fill and clean.

·        They are designed to fit wide, short nipples that look like breasts.

Bottle Dimensions

Small (about 4 ounces) and large (approximately 8 ounces) are the most common sizes. Smaller sizes are more practical for newborns, who take roughly 2-3 ounces every feed. However, because kids outgrow tiny bottles rapidly, you may save money by bypassing them and starting with large bottles right away.

Materials of Nipple

Latex or silicone bottle nipples are common. Although latex is softer and more flexible, it may trigger allergic responses in certain neonates and wears out more quickly. A stronger, longer-lasting alternative to latex is silicon. Bottle nipples that show signs of wear or tear, such as thinning or discoloration or splitting or ripping, should be replaced. Another sign that it's time for a new nipple is if the milk begins flowing more quickly than previously.

Shapes of Nipples

The majority of nipples fit into one of three categories:

·        Longer and narrower.

·        Shorter and wider.

·        Flat on one side

Levels of Nipple

The number of nips corresponds to the rate at which milk is dispensed. You can proceed to higher levels as your baby develops and manage more milk flow.